Swimming Lessons!

  Ralph and Henry completed another session of swimming lessons at Rhonda's Swim Academy.  This was the first time we had signed up for the once a week lessons over the course of four weeks.  It was nice having to rush around just once a week vs 4 days in a row.

 

This was Ralph's 3rd session since the first of the year and Henry's 2nd.  Ralph had been getting down on himself that he couldn't pass to level 3.  At the end of lesson 3 there was a hint that Ralph might be able to pass to level 3 and we were hopeful going into the 'recital' on the last day.  The big clue that a child will pass to level 3 is that they will come up to take a breath after jumping into the pool from the side or the board.  During the 'recital' it may have been questionable if Ralph took a breathe but he did bring his head above the water before going back to 'swim' to the ladder.    At the end of the 'recital' the kids get progress cards and Ralph passed to level 3!  He was super excited.

Henry just loves being in the pool with big brother.  It was slightly funny to watch him during the recital.  He was one of the smallest kids in the class and he always seemed to gravitate toward the rope which bordered the deeper level.  Henry will remain in level 2.  I am not sure how he will respond to being in class without Ralph but at least I know he is comfortable and familiar with the facility and the instructor (provided we do not get one of the other teachers during the summer session we sign up for).

Chances are the next session the boys are signed up for will be in July.  Ralph will be taking a session through a different facility during the day as Fingerprints will take the school-agers to lessons during the
next two weeks.  He will also go to the pool, weather permitting with Fingerprints on Fridays.  This extra exposure should be very helpful in getting him used to the water.  June is also busy with blastball and Tball and their schedules do not work well for a 4 day swim session.